MFGA eBulletin - March 2023

photo credit: Nerbas Bros. Angus

From the Desk of the Executive Director

As we wait for this spring to actually begin with a bit more gusto in Manitoba, there is no doubt whatsoever that the flow of water conversations in MFGA’s circles is happening in full force.

Of course, these water-based conversations are accelerated as we reach the final stages of our MFGA Aquanty Forecasting Tool and our outreach designed to inform as many farmer-focused stakeholder groups and agencies as possible around the land-planning potential of our high-tech tool.

Groundwater, soil moisture, stream flow, water depth, exfiltration (the flow of water from groundwater to surface water), depth to groundwater (the top of the water table) and recharge (water from surface to the water table) as well as satellite field views are all part of the forecasting tool’s ability to inform farmers and land managers.

MFGA now has both river basins in southern Manitoba covered by these Aquanty-built HydroGeoSphere tools: the entire Assiniboine River Basin and the Pembina Valley, including the Plum and Pembina rivers - key components of the Red River Basin. Please do visit our portal at MFGA.net. The ARB forecasting tool is 99.99 per cent done, heading into next week’s deadline. The Pembina Valley tool is right on schedule and will be in similar state very soon. Next step will be to get the tool into the hands of as many producers as possible in the least amount of moves. That means subscriptions aimed at groups that will open the portal to their members and rosters. It’s where we plan to start anyway.

While the tools obviously will appeal to many, the MFGA’s focus is on the water benefits aided by healthy soils that have been boosted by soil-health practices. As well, the insights around natural intact systems of wetlands and grasslands will be valuable to further dialogues around the natural buffering role these natural systems do play.

And finally, on behalf of MFGA staff and board, our very sincere and appreciated thanks to all our corporate sponsors and supporters for your contributions to our annual campaign. The generosity of your ongoing financial provisions allow us to do our very best work. We are extremely grateful for your support.

Muchos Grasses ALL,

Duncan Morrison, MFGA Executive Director

MFGA Salutes Manitoba Conservation Groups, Governments and Agencies on World Water Day

With World Water Day passing us by this week, MFGA would like to acknowledge the valuable work of conservation groups, provincial and federal governments and funding agencies for their water conservation focus in our province. The collective wetlands, grasslands and water resources conservation work of the 14 Manitoba Watershed Districts, Manitoba Association of Watersheds, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Nature Conservancy Canada, Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation, Manitoba Conservation and GRoW Trusts, ALUS, Nature United, International Institute for Sustainable Development, and others, as well as the provincial and federal government departments around environment and agriculture is well worth acknowledging in Manitoba.

Find your Optimum First Cut Alfalfa Date with MFGA's Green Gold

The MFGA Green Gold Program helps producers maximize their hay quality by harvesting at the optimum time (150 RFV). There is no cost to you!

PRODUCERS: WE NEED YOUR FIELDS: View the sampling checklist.

SIGN-UP TO RECEIVE TWICE-WEEKLY REPORTS: Samples from maturing alfalfa fields are sent to Central Testing Laboratory to pinpoint the best day for your first alfalfa cut. MFGA will share twice-weekly reports to those who sign up. Contact: Green Gold Program Coordinator Terra Bergen, terra@mfga.net.

BE A PART OF GREEN GOLD!

March Hay Situation & Price Update

Moving from winter to spring, adequate soil moisture levels and precipitation are two key elements for a successful start to the growing season. Add to this temperature and, given the right combination, the growing season for 2024 can be off to a good start. Read on...

Using Forages to Address Soil Compaction

Compaction can be an issue in annually cropped fields and to some extent hay fields. It can hamper infiltration of water and/or plant root growth, either of which can limit production. Excessive tillage, untimely field operations on wet soils, or wheel tracking all can contribute to soil compaction. Read on...

Hire a Student! AAFC’s Youth Employment and Skills Program accepting applications

Employers can apply by March 27, 2023 for this AAFC program. Projects that offers support for 50 - 80% of wages. Additional information found here or call 1-866-452-5558.

HOLD THE DATES: MFGA’S 2023 Regen Ag Conference set for November 13-15, 2023

Lock down your calendar right now for our 2023 MFGA Regenerative Agriculture Conference, a 2.5 day event to be held November 13-15, 2023, Victoria Inn, Brandon, Mb. Our 6th Annual event is progressing in planning and will feature well-known International and Canadian keynote speakers alongside local producer panels, all focusing on regenerative agriculture. Watch for more details! To view past conference agendas and videos, visit our Regen Ag page.

Province releases March spring flood outlook

Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre reports a major risk of flooding on the Red River and low to moderate risk of flooding in most Manitoba basins in its March spring outlook. Spring flood risk largely depends on weather conditions from now until the spring melt. Read the full news release.

Apply now for AgriStability, deadline April 30

AgriStability is a margin based program that protects Canadian producers against large declines in farming income for reasons such as production loss, increased costs and market conditions. Use the AgriStability Benefit Estimator to help you understand how the program works and to calculate an estimated benefit. More info here.

MCA launches 2023 APP Cash Advance Program

Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA) is accepting applications for the 2023 Advance Payments Program (APP), with funds to be issued starting April 1, 2023. More information including application forms, rates and fees, deadlines found here.

Industry Events

StockTalk Webinars - Monthly, until April 13, 2023

Covering a variety of Beef and Forage topics such as: Beef Cattle Nutrition: Cow and Backgrounder Rations; Cow/calf and Backgrounding Cost of Production; Beef and Forage Week Highlights; Cattle Market 2022 Update; Ask the Vet: Bull Soundness; Bull Selection & Forage and Pasture Management & more. Register here.

MWAF AgChat with Dr Ellen Farrell - March 27, 2023, 7-8 pm CDT, Virtual

Financing Question & Answer: Controlling the Conversation.

When raising funding you need more than a good pitch because the decisions are made during the question-and-answer session where the gender gap appears. Learn to control the conversation to succeed and gain the funds. Register here.

Fencing School - April 4, 2023, Erickson, MB

Hear from Shaun Anderson, fencing expert, and Cameron Hodgins,

Grazing Mentor, on electric fence and grazing principles, do's and don'ts and available funding. Contact by March 31: info@myawwd.ca or 204-567-3554.

Holistic Management Course - April 14-15, 2023, Portage la Prairie, MN

Holistic Management gives you the tools to care for your people, improve your land and increase your profit all by making better decisions. Ralph Corcoran Holistic Management Certified Educator and Bronwyn Green, Savory Accredited Professional will run this 4-day course. More details here.

The XXV International Grasslands Congress - May 14-19, 2023, Covington, KY USA

The theme is “Grasslands for Soil, Animal, and Human Health". A Call for Presentations deadline is August 15, and producers should consider attending and taking part in Congress, pre-congress tours etc. Additional details here.

2023 MFGA Regen Ag Conference - Nov 13-15, 2023, Brandon, MB

Mark your calendar for this 2.5 day event and stay tuned here for details!